Keisei Electric Railway Co. shared plans for a new express train service linking Narita Airport and Tokyo Skytree in an interview with Kyodo News. The new train will cover the approximately 60km (37mi) distance in 30 minutes.
Narita Airport is undergoing an expansion project that will increase its capacity with new runways and a new terminal building. A new, third runway is expected to be completed in 2029, in line with Keisei’s ambitions for a new express train service.
Inbound travel demand has also been extremely high in recent years, as Japan breaks record after record in foreign tourism numbers every month. For now, Keisei sees little room for growth for its existing Skyliner service between the airport and Nippori and Ueno, prompting them to look at an alternate destination to serve the increasing demand.
The trip between the airport and Tokyo Skytree currently takes about 45-50 minutes. The new service will shave off 15-20 minutes on a train better suited for travel with large luggage.
As this new express train service will terminate at Tokyo Skytree’s Oshiage Station, this brings Keisei’s airport service right to the doorstep of the Toei Asakusa subway line. This could open up a potential through-running service through the Asakusa line and link areas near Tokyo Station, Daimon, and Shinagawa, rivaling JR’s Narita Express service.
Keisei’s CEO stated that they’d like to make this happen in the long run, in an interview with The Asahi Shinbun.
This is also explained by Keisei opting to make an entirely new train, instead of using the existing Skyliner rolling stock. Those current trains are not suited for operating in subway lines, and the placement of doors will have to change in order to adjust to the platform doors on the Asakusa Line.
Featured image via Kyodo News.
